In the heart of a vibrant and active community surrounded by urban landscape lies a narrow prairie which stretches from east to west and is home to the chorus frog.

Chorus frogs have found refuge under an imposing hydro line, among other places in the Candiac area. Prairies are actually chorus frogs’ preferred habitat. The tall grass keeps them hidden from predators and they can feed from a wealth of insects. Seasonal wetlands, for their part, provide breeding sites where tadpoles can develop. Chorus frogs hibernate next to wetlands for this reason.

This species’ specific needs require the particular characteristics of a habitat that is rapidly declining on Montreal’s South Shore. A few consecutive poor breeding seasons could be catastrophic. A diverse natural environment is therefore beneficial to the chorus frog, and good for biodiversity as a whole.

The town of Candiac is, therefore, hoping to add another pond to the existing habitat by creating a wetland from scratch. As climate change brings about irregular and rather extreme weather conditions compared to what the region usually experiences, this additional pond would help offset the threat of a poor season to the chorus frogs’ annual reproduction.

Whether driving, walking or cycling along the town bike path, it’s always worthwhile to stop by the Centre Frank-Vocino to find out more about the chorus frog. Enjoy a snack on one of many picnic tables or a nice view of the prairie that is home to the chorus frog, listening to nature sounds in the middle of town.